Like moths to a flame, curious and tech-savvy students push the limits of ‘acceptable use’ of school technology. This is the heretofore untold story of a 12 year-old who crossed the line and the district that expelled him. His story is far from unique.

Since 2016, multiple news reports document that K-12 students are being charged with and convicted of crimes for hacking their schools. In other cases, these incidents have led to students being expelled. Are schools and the police over-reacting to student hacking of schools? Are our current laws and school policies appropriate? It may be time for a hard look at these questions.